Healthy dinner ideas for kids
Family friendly, healthy dinner ideas
Who doesn´t want to find healthy and kid friendly dinner ideas? It can be hard to get kids to eat healthy meals. Parents need to make dinner time fun and exciting with creative, healthy recipes like vegetarian burritos or homemade pizza. Kids should also help plan and prepare the meal so that they are more likely to try new foods.
The most popular family-friendly recipes
A selection of our readers' favorite recipes within Kids Recipes collection, recipes that are not only nutritious but also loved by kids of all ages. These recipes strike the perfect balance between health and taste, ensuring that your dinner table is a place of joy, discovery, and togetherness. From hearty main courses to delicious sides and desserts, these dishes promise to win over even the pickiest eaters. Let's turn dinner time into a delightful experience for the whole family!
Chicken teriyaki
This is our favorite meal and healthy food children love. Follow the link to find this healthy kid-friendly recipe.
Chicken & spinach skillet pasta with lemon & parmesan
The pasta in a pan combined chicken breasts with sauteed spinach in a single dish was garlicky, lemon-flavored and best served with sliced tomatoes. It is a quick, easy dinner we cooked together and scribbled on a few recipe cards about ten years ago and it remains a staple of my weekly dinners. A really simple meal that everybody can enjoy together.
Chicken and spinach skillet pasta with lemon and Parmesan recipe
Baked popcorn shrimp with sweet chili sauce
These healthy snacks using popcorn shrimp make crunchy bites perfect for eating. In addition, we replaced the mayo tartar with the healthier Greek yogurt dip flavoured with Thai chili sauce.
Lightened up versions of kid favorites
Homemade chicken tenders with everything bagel seasoning over salad
This is the perfect way to season and add more crunch to the breadcrumbs of chicken tender meat. Alternatively mix equal parts dried minced onion, garlic, puffed sunflower seeds, salt, ground pepper. Easy to make healthy chicken with salad, and easy to prepare dinner in 25 minutes.
Southwestern three-bean and barley soup
Serve zestily brewed beans and barley with sliced freshly chopped fresh cilantro and lemon if desired.
Chicken taco bowls
The chicken taco bowl is made of muffin tins using the under sides as molds to make cute homemade tortilla dishes. Tortilla bowl stuffed with juicy chicken filling that is topped with nacho cheese. If you use two large muffin tins you could make eight bowls in one. Baked in both lower and higher third ovens, rotating from top to bottom at the halfway mark.
Kid friendly dinner recipes with updated classics
Spaghetti with quick meat sauce
Instead of opening a bottle of sauce, serve this simple spaghetti with meat sauce on a weekday. Serve with roasted broccoli or garlic bread. This is enough to provide eight meals. When serving four at dinner, store 8 ounces of spaghetti in freezer.
Sweet potato mac and cheese
This healthy homemade macaroni recipe uses the fibers of sweet potatoes to serve the cheese. Its vivid orange colour tricks the eye into thinking this healthy mac and cheese recipe contains a little cheese, if not more than half.
Loaded twice-baked potatoes
Potato is an excellent comfort meal, especially when packed full of lean ground beef florets and shredded cheddar cheese with low-fat cheese. Add some salads and a healthy and nutritious meal which will make you feel well.
Healthy oven-fried pork chops
This breadcrumb-covered ham chop is as crispy as fried and is healthier. Oven-frying helps reduce calories as it gives you crisp pork with an excellent flavor. Serve with steaming broccoli and cooked sweet potato for an evening meal.
Sides to make a healthy meal
A delicious dinner will always have a good selection of side dishes. Sides are a great way to make a meal healthier as they add nutrients and fiber without adding too many calories. A colorful side dish with plenty of fresh vegetables can be a great addition to any dinner. Roasted carrots, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and sweet potatoes are all delicious vegetables that can be roasted with olive oil and herbs for a flavorful side dish. For a heartier side dish, try whole grain quinoa or brown rice cooked in vegetable broth - both are excellent sources of fiber and protein. Beans are another great source of protein and minerals - try black beans sautéed with onions and garlic or chickpeas tossed in olive oil, garlic and ginger. With these sides you’ll have an amazing healthy meal!
Potatoes in any shape or size are always a great side dish. Boiled potatoes are great with sour cream and chives, or mashed potatoes with a dollop of butter for added richness. You can also mix in that sour cream into the mash or add other ingredients, like grated cheese, for more flavor.
Easy ways to add in veggies
Salads are an easy way to get some veggies in your diet. Try mixed greens with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and red onions tossed in a light vinaigrette. If you’re feeling in the mood for something heartier, roasted cauliflower and butternut squash tossed with olive oil, garlic and thyme make an amazing side dish.
You can hide finely chopped vegetables in many dishes. Chopping vegetables is really easy with a food processor.
Don´t forget fruit
Fruit is synonym of eating healthy and it's packed with flavor. Whether you choose fresh fruit or dried apple slices, choose to make a quick smoothie, bake an apple crisp or mix fresh fruit into your salad, you'll be getting plenty of vitamins and minerals that keep your body functioning optimally.
Add dried fruit to stew and curries for a sweet flavor. Use it for sauces.
How to budget family meals
how to budget family meals can be tricky. Consider making meals that you can stretch out over a few days - for example, chili or soup is easy to make in big batches and freeze for later. This way, you don't have to cook every night and can easily grab something from the freezer when you're running low on time. Sandwiches are also a great budget-friendly meal - just switch up the fillings to keep things interesting! To save even more money, try buying in bulk and freezing certain ingredients like chicken breasts or ground beef. This can help reduce your grocery bill while still providing healthy meal options for your family.
Finally, making meals that use leftovers is another great way to save money and time - plus you don't have and worry about them going bad! For instance, you can make a delicious chicken pot pie with leftover rotisserie chicken, or use up bits of vegetables for a frittata. And don't forget that canned goods like beans and tuna can be used to create tasty and budget-friendly dishes. With just a little bit of creativity, you can create nutritious meals that won more than necessary.
Frequently asked questions about healthy kid food and dinner ideas
We understand that when it comes to feeding children, parents and caregivers often have numerous questions about nutrition, portion sizes, dietary restrictions, cooking techniques, and more. We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to provide clarity and practical guidance. This section serves as a quick reference guide to help you plan and prepare wholesome meals for your little ones. Remember, creating a balanced diet is a journey, not a destination. Let's navigate this together!
What is the healthiest food to feed your kids?
The healthiest food to feed your kids is a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. To ensure that they get all the essential nutrients they need for proper growth and development, include variety of foods from all five major food groups in their diets - fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and proteins. It's also important to focus on making meals fun by involving your kids in meal planning and preparation. Try introducing them to new ingredients or flavors by creating easy yet innovative dishes such as vegetarian burritos or homemade pizza – this could be an exciting way for them to explore different cuisines! Lastly, don't forget to offer plenty of fluids throughout the day; water should always be the first choice.
What are the 10 healthiest foods?
The 10 healthiest foods are salmon, kale, avocado, blueberries, Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, quinoa, sweet potato, broccoli and spinach. These foods contain high amounts of important nutrients including vitamins A and C, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a combination of these food items will provide your body with high levels of energy as well as important minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. They also help to reduce inflammation in the body which can help lower blood pressure levels and keep you healthy overall.
What is a healthy diet idea for kids?
A healthy diet idea for kids can include easy, innovative dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Some ideas include homemade pizzas with veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions; vegetarian burritos filled with beans, cheese, salsa, tomatoes and lettuce; taco salad served in a tortilla bowl; macaroni and cheese with spinach or broccoli stirred in; quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas filled with black beans and shredded cheese; or smoothies packed with fruits like bananas or berries. Involving kids in the meal planning process can also be helpful – allowing them to pick out recipes they’d like to make makes dinner time fun.
What should a 7 year old eat daily?
A 7 year old should eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all the major food groups. A typical daily menu would include fruits and vegetables, whole grains like oatmeal or brown rice, proteins such as lean meat, fish or poultry, dairy products like yogurt and cheese, nuts and seeds. It is also important to make sure they are getting enough fluid throughout the day to stay hydrated. Offering smaller meals more often and incorporating some fun recipes can help make eating healthy enjoyable for kids.
What is the most popular healthy food for kids?
One of the most popular healthy foods for kids is homemade pizza. Kids love it because they can top their pizzas with vegetables or other toppings that they like. It is also easy to make, and most kids enjoy helping in the kitchen. Another popular dish for kids are vegetarian burritos, which are filled with black beans, corn, carrots and diced tomatoes wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. A taco salad is also an easy and healthful dinner option for children - lettuce topped with diced tomatoes, onions, cheese, bell peppers and ground beef with a side of mild salsa makes a delicious meal that will satisfy even picky eaters.
How do I make a healthy meal plan for kids?
Answer the question above. Start by sitting down with your child and discussing their favorite meals. Ask them what foods they like and dislike, then create a meal plan that incorporates some of their favorites but also introduces new healthy options. You can also involve them in the meal planning process by having them help choose recipes to make for dinner or even giving them the responsibility of helping prepare it.
When it comes to making the meal itself, make sure to keep things fun and engaging for kids. Try creating shapes out of vegetables or adding colorful ingredients like fruits and herbs. Use creative presentations, like turning a burrito into a taco salad bowl or an egg-white omelette into a pizza.
What should be included in the child's daily menu?
When planning meals for children, it's important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes all of the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy. This means incorporating foods from all five food groups – fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy – into their daily menus.
Fruits can be served as snacks or added to meals. Try adding chopped fruit to oatmeal, yogurt or salads, making a smoothie for breakfast, or packing sliced apples and oranges as snacks.
Vegetables should also be part of your child’s daily diet. Incorporate them into meals by grilling vegetables, roasting them in the oven with olive oil and spices, or them to soups and stews.
Grains are an important source of energy for children and can include whole-wheat bread, pasta, and quinoa. Look for options that are low in sugar and high in fiber.
Proteins such as eggs, tofu, dairy products like cheese or yogurt, and lean meats like chicken are also essential for healthy growth.
Finally, dairy products provide important nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamin D which help to build strong bones. Try making homemade macaroni and cheese with whole-wheat pasta or mix plain yogurt with fresh fruit as a snack.
With a little creativity, you can make meal time both nutritious and exciting for your children. For more ideas, check out our website for healthy dinner recipes that will please even the pickiest eaters.
What are healthy food ideas for weight loss in kids?
For kids trying to lose weight, it is important to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods that are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. Healthy food ideas for weight loss in kids include egg white omelets with veggies, grilled chicken or fish served with a side of steamed vegetables and brown rice, yogurt parfaits made with fresh fruit and whole grain cereal, quinoa bowls loaded with fresh vegetables, lean beef tacos on lettuce wraps with avocado slices, smoothie bowls made from blended frozen fruit and Greek yogurt topped with granola or nuts. These meals not only provide the necessary nutrients for growth but also keep calories low so that your child can reach their goals safely.
1. Introduce the challenge of getting kids to eat healthy meals
2. Provide creative and healthy dinner ideas for kids, such as vegetarian burritos, homemade pizza, taco salad etc.
3. Explain how to involve kids in meal planning and preparation
4. Discuss strategies for encouraging children to try new foods
5. Share tips on how to make dinner time fun and exciting for the whole family
6. Outline ways that parents can make sure their children are eating nutritious meals regularly
7. Conclude by summarizing key points about making mealtime enjoyable for everyone involved
Meal times can be a challenge for parents, especially when it comes to getting kids to eat healthy. With so many unhealthy options available, it can be difficult to convince children to try something new and nutritious. However, there are plenty of creative and exciting recipes that can be used to introduce healthy meals into your family’s
